Agricultural Biologist​/Weights & Measures Inspector I​/II​/III

duties

• assist in the examination of fields, roadways, and cultivated areas to determine location and extent of infestation of rodents, weeds, birds, insects or predators, and for presence or extent of plant disease infestation, and assists in their eradication or control.
• prepare poison grains for rodent control and application.
• mix restricted and non-restricted pesticides.
• enforce quarantine laws relating to the prevention of the introduction or spread of pests; certify acceptability or specify treatment of shipments as a condition of movement.
• educate growers/farmers and others involved in the use of pesticides.
• keep records of inspections and prepare reports.
• examine fruits, nuts, vegetables, honey, eggs, and other agricultural commodities in markets, packing houses, and storage areas for compliance with regulations relating to standards, grades, and spray residue.
• issue certificates of inspections.
• examine plants and trees in nurseries and those arriving or shipped by private or common carriers for evidence of disease, pests, noxious weed seeds, cleanliness, and proper labeling.
• inspect agricultural commodities being shipped to see that they are free from injurious insects or plant diseases.
• assure growers' compliance with laws and regulations concerning pesticides.
• issue restricted materials permits to growers.
• administer tests to growers for certified/restricted applicator certificates and explain county requirements.
• conduct field review and inspection of pesticide use based on crops to be sprayed and drift possibilities to surrounding areas.
• interview and conduct fact-finding investigations of potential pesticide poisoning/chemical incidents and issue notice of violations if appropriate.
• issue permits and supervise the application of toxic materials to crops.
• issue producers certificate and work with products retailers to correct variety, weight, and count information on labeling.
• inspect and test commercial weight and measurement instruments for accuracy and compliance with established tolerances.
• inspect packages and commodities, other goods and petroleum products for accuracy of weights or measure, correct labeling and adherence to required specifications.
• inspect petroleum products meters on trucks and trailers, odometers, taximeters, milk-tanks, electric meters, lpg meters, platform scales, livestock scales, vehicle scales, license, and records of weigh masters.
• enforce state laws related to the packaging of products.
• investigate complaints of improper weight, deception, or fraud; assist the district attorney in the development of case files for criminal and civil matters.
• audit and investigate sub-metered utility billings and weigh master records for accuracy.
• conduct undercover test sales and purchases to promote equity in the marketplace.
• assist with other departmental and county-wide activities as needed.

minimum qualifications agricultural biologist/weights & measures inspector i experience: none required.
education: possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited four (4) year college with specialization in one or more appropriate disciplines in agricultural, biological, chemical, or physical sciences, or other appropriate disciplines as determined by the secretary of the california department of food and agriculture. Candidates who are within six months of satisfying the education requirement for this classification will be admitted to the examination, but they must complete the education requirement and provide evidence of graduation prior to appointment.

license: within six (6) months of appointment, obtain a state license of eligibility as a county agricultural inspector/biologist/weights and measures inspector in pesticide regulation, weight verification, or measurement verification. Possess a valid california driver's license at time of appointment and maintain. agricultural biologist/weights & measures inspector ii experience: one (1) year of experience in agricultural inspection for law enforcement purposes comparable to an agricultural biologist/weights & measures inspector i in merced county.

education: possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited four (4) year college with specialization in one or more appropriate disciplines in agricultural, biological, chemical, or physical sciences, or other appropriate disciplines as determined by the secretary of the california department of food and agriculture.
licenses: possess and maintain valid licenses of eligibility as a county agricultural inspector/biologist/weights and measures inspector in pesticide regulation, pest prevention & plant regulation, and measurement verification. Possess a valid california driver's license at time of appointment and maintain. Possession of a state of california department of pesticide regulation qualified applicator certificate in the regulatory pest control category. agricultural biologist/weights & measures inspector iii experience: one (1) year of experience in agricultural inspection for law enforcement…